Legendary 1965 Vintage of Chateau Latour Bordeaux Wine

The Legendary 1965 Chateau Latour

The 1965 vintage of Chateau Latour is regarded by many wine experts and connoisseurs as one of the greatest Bordeaux wines ever produced. This First Growth estate in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux had a near perfect growing season in 1965, resulting in a wine that still shows beautifully after over 50 years in the bottle.

The Terroir of Chateau Latour

The vineyards of Chateau Latour sit on a sloping gravelly plateau just south of the village of Pauillac, adjacent to the Gironde estuary. This prime location allows its old vines to soak up sunlight while benefiting from cooling breezes off the water. The topsoil is composed of gravel deposits left behind over centuries by the Garonne river, providing excellent drainage and water retention. Chateau Latour has some of the finest terroir in Bordeaux.

1965 Growing Season

1965 experienced ideal weather conditions in Bordeaux. A warm spring encouraged early bud break and flowering. The summer saw heat waves but no damaging storms, allowing the grapes to steadily ripen. Rain in September provided water relief at just the right time. Cool conditions in October enabled a long hang time for phenolic development.

Harvest yielded grapes with concentrated flavors and ripe, polished tannins. In the cellar, Latour's winemaking team practiced minimal intervention to allow the terroir to shine. Gentle extractions and restrained oak aging produced a wine that was approachable upon release but built for the long haul.

Tasting Notes on the 1965 Latour

At over 50 years of age, the 1965 Chateau Latour shows beautiful complexity and depth. The color remains a youthful ruby with slight bricking on the rim. The bouquet offers notes of cedar, tobacco, dried cherries, leather and baking spices.

On the palate, the wine is powerful yet refined, with mouthwatering acidity providing lift and vibrancy. Flavors of red currants, cedar, earth and mushroom lend an intriguing savoriness, while lively tannins give pleasant grip to the long, elegant finish.

Peak Drinking Window

While still quite enjoyable today, the 1965 Latour has enough structure to continue developing in the bottle for another 10-20 years. Well stored bottles from reputable sources will offer a peak drinking window extending into the late 2030s and beyond. This reflects the aging potential of a great Bordeaux vintage.

Pairing Suggestions

Given its complexity and sophistication, the 1965 Chateau Latour warrants fine cuisine pairings. Dishes featuring red meat or game, such as filet mignon, venison tenderloin or seared duck breast make classic accompaniments. Hearty stews and braises also complement the wine's savoriness.

For cheese pairings, aged cheddar, Gruyere and Manchego work nicely. The 1965 Latour can also be enjoyed on its own as an after dinner drink, ideal for contemplation and conversation around the fireplace.

Current Value and Availability

As one of the most acclaimed Bordeaux wines of the 20th century, the 1965 Latour now commands stratospheric prices at auction. Prices have exceeded $7000 per bottle in recent sales. Fewer than 150 cases are believed to remain in the Latour cellars.

Given the wine's rarity, those seeking to experience this legendary vintage should consult reputable merchants and auction houses. Counterfeits abound in the collectible wine market, so buyers need exercise due caution and skepticism.

Why The 1965 Latour Is So Special

The 1965 Latour encapsulates a perfect confluence of phenomenal terroir and an exceptional vintage. It was produced at a time when Chateau Latour was transitioning to more modern winemaking practices while still adhering to traditional methods.

The result is a wine that symbolizes the pinnacle of refined elegance married with age-worthy structure that only the finest Bordeaux can achieve. For many wine lovers, the 1965 Latour represents the apotheosis of Cabernet Sauvignon-based winemaking - an inspiring triumph of nature, artistry, and patience.

The Allure of Aged Bordeaux

Part of Bordeaux's enduring appeal among serious wine collectors is its ability to age and evolve in the bottle for decades. While variable by vintage, the top wines from appellations like Pauillac, St. Julien and Pomerol often retain vibrancy and complexity after 50+ years.

Aged Bordeaux takes on unique tertiary qualities that complement its fruity and savory notes - cigar box, cedar, leather, earth, mushroom and herbal tea. Beyond flavor, there is intrigue in connecting viscerally to a wine from another era.

Drinking a 55-year-old Bordeaux inspires wonder at how it was crafted so long ago. There is an urge to ponder the stories it could tell about the world events it has lived through. A mature Bordeaux is truly a taste of history.

Conclusion

The 1965 Chateau Latour stands as one of the greatest Bordeaux wines ever made, representing a pinnacle vintage from one of the region's most storied estates. To enjoy a bottle after over half a century is a reminder of wine's incredible ability to develop nuance and complexity with age. For wine lovers, a glass of 1965 Latour is an experience to be treasured and meditated on for years to come.

FAQs

What made the growing conditions so ideal in 1965?

1965 saw a warm spring that led to early ripening, followed by a hot summer without any damaging weather events. Light rains in September provided moisture relief before cool October temperatures allowed extended hang time.

How is the terroir at Chateau Latour special?

Latour sits on gravelly soils near the Gironde River. This provides excellent drainage and water retention for the vines. The proximity to water moderates temperatures. Latour has some of the finest terroir in Bordeaux.

What are some tasting notes for the 1965 vintage?

The 1965 Latour shows notes of cedar, tobacco, dried cherries, earth and mushrooms. It has powerful yet refined palate with mouthwatering acidity and lively tannins. The long finish shows elegance and complexity.

What foods pair well with the 1965 Latour?

The 1965 Latour warrants fine cuisine pairings like filet mignon, venison, duck breast or braised dishes. Aged cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere and Manchego are also excellent pairings.

Why is mature Bordeaux so prized by collectors?

Aged Bordeaux takes on unique tertiary notes while retaining vibrancy. There is intrigue in connecting with a wine from another era. Mature Bordeaux provides a taste of history.